Today, Mayor David Miller and City of Toronto representatives, in partnership with the Toronto Trails Festival and Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Kay Gardner Beltline Park with a concert by the Forest Hill Public School choir, followed by a hike through the park with artist and environmentalist Robert Bateman.

"Former Metro and City Councillor Kay Gardner had a vision for a green and liveable city and she saw that vision through. She was the driving force behind the purchase and redevelopment of the railway lands that form this beautiful greenspace," said Mayor Miller. "Her dedication to the project resulted in a wonderful oasis within the city."

The City of Toronto purchased the former Beltline railway lands from the Canadian National Railway Company in 1990 to create a 4.5-kilometre linear park. In May 2000, the Beltline Park was renamed the Kay Gardner Beltline Park in recognition of Kay Gardner’s tireless work as a citizen volunteer and a former City councillor.

"We all owe a debt of gratitude to Kay Gardner for saving the Beltline Park for future generations to enjoy,” said Tom Fiore, Director-Founder of the Toronto Trails Festival. "It not only provides a lavish abundance of plant and animals, but also the opportunity to commune with, explore and be inspired by nature."

World-renowned environmentalist/nature painter Robert Bateman joined in the celebration along with members of the Forest Hill Public School choir.

Guests at today’s event listened with great interest as Bateman reminisced about the impact that the Beltline had on him as he grew up in the neighbourhood. He credits living along the Beltline ravine at an early age as a major influence on his life as a naturalist and an artist. A formal request is to be presented to Toronto and East York Community Council later this month to consider renaming Russell Hill Parkette the Robert Bateman Parkette.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.